CCLEC – Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council – International Customs Organization

Capacity Building

Continually strengthening our human and physical capital through strategic planning and sustained training.

Information Technology

Realizing the vision of a highly networked Customs through the implementation of modern ICT solutions.

Border Protection

Promoting compliance to enhance global trade and travel through enhanced border security initiatives

Facilitation

Facilitating fairness and transparency through systematic and standardized controls.

SailClear/RCS 2019 – CCLEC’s Support to Regional Customs Departments Regarding the Coronavirus Threat

GeneralBy Elvira Samuel March 6, 2020

The Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) continues to monitor regional and International Organization’s status reports, national policy statements and preparations to manage the Coronavirus outbreak already plaguing several countries worldwide.

Customs, Immigration, Health and Quarantine officers, Ports Authority workers, passengers, crew and all persons interacting at Ports have legitimate reasons to be concerned about their health and safety in view of the Coronavirus threat to the Caribbean Community.

Permanent Secretary of the CCLEC, Albert Sandy, in an advisory to Heads of Customs and Excise Departments on Monday, March 2^ndexpressed confidence in the ability of the SailClear/RCS2019 vessel processing System to assist Customs, Immigration and Port Health officers in managing the coronavirus threat to Caribbean states. The SailClear/RCS 2019 System which is already in use by Caribbean Customs administrations, from Bermuda to the ABC Islands, is a live, online administrative tool that receives, prearrival notifications from pleasure yachts and other small vessels arriving from any port in the world, intending to visit any Caribbean Port(s). That information received in advance by Customs is used to assess the vessels, crew and luggage before arrival or departure, enabling Customs, immigration or other authorities (using the Customs and health declaration) to determine how to treat the vessels and their occupants. It also serves as a facilitation tool to expedite the vessel clearance process, without the need of masters and crew presenting handwritten declarations to Customs and Immigration authorities. This effort by CCLEC has been highlighted by Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre, Minister of Health, Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica.[i] Curacao Customs Department has also indicated that they will be utilizing the RCS System to help manage the Coronavirus threat posed by the yachting tourism sector. Eighteen new kiosks have been supplied during February 2020, to Caribbean Customs Departments for deployment at ports of entry. These kiosks, financed by the UK Border Force, will be utilized by yachts’ masters to report electronically to Customs utilizing the SailClear system.

Vessel health declarations required by law, are incorporated in the SailClear/RCS2019 electronic declaration system and can be used to indicate any health problems onboard before vessels arrive at any regional port. Vessels and passengers or crew showing symptoms of the coronavirus can report by nationally approved means, including via the SailClear/RCS 2019 system and the authorities will provide the appropriate assistance even before these vessels arrive at Port.

The Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council continues to support its members which include all Customs administrations of the entire Caribbean basin, in the exercise of vigilance at all ports of entry to minimize the effects of this virus on the economies and health of our citizens and visitors. We encourage all to follow the directions of your national emergency coordination authorities, provide all needed equipment, facilities and information required by border security officers for personal and client protection, and the full use of the RCS System to enable prearrival reporting by the yachting public so as to manage this viral threat.

FOLLOW ONLY OFFICIAL BULLETINS THROUGH YOUR LINE OF COMMAND.

Albert V. Sandy

Permanent Secretary

[i] https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/live-coverage-of-nepo-meeting-today-on-coronavirus/ minute 38.57 of the recording

Feb182020

Visit of WCO Secretary General to St Lucia

NewsBy Elvira Samuel February 18, 2020

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, visited St. Lucia from the 12th to 14th February 2020. During his stay the Secretary General made official visits to the Acting Comptroller of Customs and Excise, Mrs. Anita Montoute and her staff, the Government of St. Lucia and the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council.

The welcome meeting, hosted by the Customs Comptroller and Ministry of Finance, was attended by the Comptroller of Customs, Minister of Commerce and Trade, Hon. Bradley Felix, Deputy PS Finance, Acting Commissioner of Police Milton Desir, Permanent Secretary of CCLEC, Mr. Albert Sandy, administrators and staff of the Inland Revenue Department, Customs and Excise Administrators and staff and other invited guests.

Acting Comptroller of Customs Montoute welcomed Dr. Mikuryia, expressing her thanks for his consideration of St. Lucia for such an important visit. She mentioned various conventions signed, which are being actively enforced by St Lucia, such as the Montreal Protocol on ODS substances, the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). She mentioned that the St. Lucia Customs and Excise Department continues to collaborate with the WCO and CCLEC to build the capacity of its staff to increase their abilities to facilitate trade through risk management principles and practices while ensuring the control of restricted and prohibited goods and contraband.

The Permanent Secretary of CCLEC welcomed the Secretary General and expressed his thanks to the WCO for the collaboration in Capacity Building, Trade Facilitation among other areas. He stated that CCLEC and the WCO have an established MOU between them which will shortly be reviewed and practically deepened. CCLEC’s Joint Intelligence Office is also the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) for the WCO.

On the 14th SG Mikuriya visited the CCLEC Secretariat where discussion was held on deepening collaboration between CCLEC and the WCO including the synchronization of their strategies in order to better meet member’s needs. In May 2020 CCLEC, the WCO and CARICOM will jointly stage an STCE training course in the Eastern Caribbean to benefit member administrations.

Jan142020

Course Content Writer Advertisement – JOB Course

ClassifiedBy Aaron Smith January 14, 2020

General Description

The JOB – Junior Officer Basic course is a Customs induction course used as an onboarding tool for new Customs Officers. It was written in 1994 and have been used within regional customs administrations for more almost 25 years in a class room environment.

The course covers the following modules:

The following course topics are covered by the JOB course

Module1 – Customs Overview
Module2 – Communication
Module3 – Legislation
Module 4- Prohibitions and Restrictions
Module5 – Initial Processing
Module6 – Situation Diffusion
Module7 – Cargo Reporting and Processes
Module8 – Risk Assessment
Module9 – Conducting Vessel and Aircraft Search
Module10 – Assessment and Selection of Passengers
Module11 – Drug Identification
Module12 – Passenger and Bag Search
Module13 – Arrest, Detention and Seizure

Duties

The eLearning Curriculum Developer / Media Expert will be responsible for working with the Customs Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and CCLEC staff on the design and re-development of new course content both online and in-classroom, developing eLearning curriculum and layouts often includes writing detailed storyboards, scripts, and manuals for participants and facilitators, as well as embedding presentations, media, and course delivery structure to the courses.

Reporting to the PS CCLEC, the Curriculum Developer will:

Collaborate with CCLEC subject matter experts and other team members to build course outlines, storyboards and develop content delivery on the Moodle eLearning platform using built in tools.
Act as development lead to produce online learning as stand-alone products as part of a blended learning approach.
Improve older or outdated courses with new design and interactivity.
Analyze learning needs and partners with subject matter experts to provide input for course content. Provide feedback on module scripts. Determine sequence and structure of learning content.
Work with management to ensure course materials are current and relevant to training needs.

Dec92019

The Passing of the Former Comptroller of St Kitts & Nevis Customs, Mr Donald Cable

General, NewsBy Elvira Samuel December 9, 2019

On behalf of the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council, I would like to convey sincere condolences to the dear wife, family, friends and Customs fraternity of St. Kitts, Nevis and beyond, on the passing from this life of Mr. Donald Cable, retired Comptroller, of St. Kitts, Nevis Customs and Excise.

Mr. Cable signed the CCLEC MOU in 1994 and during his tenure as Comptroller, his support for the organization remained unflinching and resolute. The entire CCLEC membership benefited tremendously from his vision, practical engagement and personality at our meetings.

He was fully committed to CCLEC’s initiatives, including the successful implementation of the Junior Officer Basic Course in the region, the Regional Airports Anti-Smuggling Initiative in 2000 and in 2001. He welcomed the CCLEC Consultants to implement the Enforcement / Roving Team concept in St. Kitts Customs. This concept continues to be employed with success over the years, a testimony to his vision. His various job portfolios, respect and support from the press and Governments, are testimony to the quality of person he was. A sterling example was he for civil servants to follow.

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. May he rest in Peace.

Albert V. Sandy

Permanent Secretary

Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council

Nov192019

Cuba Ratifies CCO Treaty

NewsBy Elvira Samuel November 19, 2019

On November 1^st 2019, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to St. Lucia, His excellency Alejandro Marin, deposited Cuba’s Instrument of Ratification of the Caribbean Customs Organisation (CCO) Treaty at the CCLEC Secretariat. The CCO Treaty was signed by fourteen countries on May 22^nd, 2019 in Havana and will enter into force three months after the date of the deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval in accordance with Articles 5 and 60 of the Agreement.

In presenting the instrument, His Excellency Ambassador Marin, thanked the PS, Executive Committee and Council for the efforts to move from an MOU to a Treaty Organization. He noted that Cuba has been a very willing and cooperative partner of the CCLEC from inception.

He said Cuba was very proud to sign the treaty in Havana on 22^nd May 2019 and now the first country to deposit its Instrument of ratification to the PS CCLEC. He reaffirms Cuba’s commitment to the organization and all its members and said that Cuba will continue its work and initiatives according to the Motto of the CCLEC 41^st Conference “Strength through Unity.”

Sep52019

BAHAMAS DEVASTATED BY HURRICANE DORIAN

NewsBy Elvira Samuel September 5, 2019

The Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) extends its heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of the Bahamas for the tragic loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian on Sunday 1^st September 2019.

The devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian is still unfolding but images and news from the Bahamas tell a very painful story, one which is becoming too familiar to our region.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our Customs colleagues and the people of Bahamas as they seek to rebuild their homes and lives.

Albert Sandy
PS CCLEC

Aug172019

CUSTOMS SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS

ApplicationsBy Aaron Smith August 17, 2019

THE CARIBBEAN CUSTOMS LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNCIL (CCLEC)

SHORT TERM OPENINGS

CUSTOMS SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS

The Junior Officer Basic (JOB) Course is a Customs induction course for new Customs officers. It was written in 1994 and has been used within regional customs administrations for 25 years. The JOB course content is dated and is in of upgrading. Currently, the JOB course content is available in both hard copy and digital format and has been amended in some cases by administrations to meet their needs.

The eLearning JOB Course project will standardize the course content so that member can access the most relevant and technically accurate material.

The CCLEC eLearning software has been designed to deliver two learning delivery models – The Virtual Classroom and Self-Paced.

Virtual Classroom

Through the use of online spaces, the virtual classroom facilitates live instruction, either one-to-one or for a group. This includes live video and audio streaming capabilities, an interactive whiteboard, file repositories for sharing additional resources and text chat options. Under this model a customs tutor is assigned and has full oversight of students and those enrolled. Through the tools of the platform, they interact and share feedback throughout the course. The instructor also evaluates the performance of students and give needed support.

Self-Paced

The Self-paced model is a student-centred learning approach which provides students with the tools and assets they need in order to learn at their own pace and make choices about the sequence and focus of their learning. Under this model, officers will be given specific access to material designed for self-paced learning as refresher training, onboarding and other orientation exercises as they enter new deployments.

Aug52019

RCS Train-the-Trainer Seminar held in St Lucia

Seminar, TrainingBy Elvira Samuel August 5, 2019

The new Regional Clearance System, RCS2019, will be deployed at the end of August and to support this initiative, the CCLEC convened a train-the-trainer seminar for regional Customs officers in St Lucia from July 29-31, 2019.

The seminar which was jointly sponsored by UKBF/ODA and CCLEC aimed at building local capacity to deliver RCS training. Eighteen officers from the English and Spanish speaking Caribbean were in attendance. In his opening remarks, the CCLEC Permanent Secretary, Mr Albert Sandy, reminded the participants that the system was commissioned by CCLEC members in 2000 because it was recognized then that there was a need to collect data on pleasure vessels plying the region for security purposes. The system however has evolved over the years and now also functions as an administrative tool for facilitating pleasure vessels, crew and passengers visiting the region.

May282019

CCLEC SIGNS TREATY TO ESTABLISH THE CARIBBEAN CUSTOMS ORGANISATION (CCO)

Meetings, NewsBy Aaron Smith May 28, 2019

The CCLEC 41^st Conference was held in Havana, Cuba on May 22-24, 2019 under the theme

‘The Pathway to Success: Strength through Unity’. This event was marked by the historical signing of the treaty which will establish the Caribbean Customs Organization (CCO).

The signing ceremony was attended by high level government officials including, on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr Menno Snel, Minister for Finance of Taxation and Customs of the Netherlands, Mrs Xiomara Ruiz-Maduro, Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Culture of Aruba, Mr Kenneth Gijsbertha, Minister of Finance of Curacao, and Mr Cornelius de Weever, Minister of Justice of Sint Maarten, who all signed for their respective countries. Ambassador to Cuba, Mr Andrew Brent, signed on behalf of the Bahamas, and Mr Antony Stokes, UK’s Ambassador to Cuba, signed on behalf of Anguilla, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Representatives from Customs, Mr Raju Boddu, Comptroller of Customs for Antigua, Mr Nelson E. Cordovés Reyes, Head of Customs for Cuba, Mr Cesar Zorrilla, Manager of the Technical Deliberative Department of the General Customs Directorate for the Dominican Republic, and Mr Fritz Alcindor, Deputy Director General of Haiti signed on behalf of their respective governments.

After three decades of operating under an MOU, members of the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) agreed that it was of paramount importance, given the opportunities and challenges presented by technological advancements, to formalize the legal basis for sharing information. The MOU to establish the CCLEC was signed in 1989, an MOU which, although not legally binding, served the organization in meeting its objectives to improve the overall professionalism of its members through cooperation, sharing of best practices, human resource development, modernization, automation, harmonization of processes and procedures and information/intelligence sharing. However, global security challenges, the need for automatic sharing of information and the advent of several new trade arrangements means that the CCLEC’s role will become more complex. To this end, the need for a more robust legally binding mechanism to improve information and intelligence exchange was necessary.

Mar102019

Miss Camille Garrick, St Vincent Officer

NewsBy Aaron Smith March 10, 2019

On behalf of the CCLEC Secretariat and Executive Committee I convey our deepest condolences to the family, friends and Customs colleagues of Miss Camille Garrick of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Customs and Excise Department, on her recent decease at such a tender age. The loss of such a dear friend and co worker leaves us often speechless and sad. Comptroller of Customs, Mr. DaSilva praises her as “ an athletic, adventurous, kind individual and a valued member of the Customs and Excise Department since February 11, 2002”, who will be missed dearly. May we all aim for such a legacy among our peers. Life being so transient, let us all take stock of our short time here to make the best of it at work and home. She will be missed, but we can all keep her memory at heart. May you all be supportive of each other and her family at this time.

The funeral and interment of Ms. Garrick was held at the Kingstown Methodist Church on 4^th December 2019.

May she rest in peace.

With our warmest sympathy and consideration.

Albert Sandy

Permanent Secretary

Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council

CCLEC NEWSLETTERS

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CCLEC AT A GLANCE

CCLEC’s commitment to capacity building is evident through sustained investments in regional Customs staff. CCLEC recognizes that the fulfillment of its mission and objectives is dependent on the strength and capabilities of this most precious resource. This commitment to training began as early as 1993 through participation with the WCO in the Diagnostic Study. Following this, some seven member countries benefited from Customs Reform Modernization (CRM) programs completed by CCLEC.

As part of its pledge to developing leadership, in 2014, CCLEC introduced the Management Training Program, through a Certificate in Customs Management and the Executive Diploma in Customs Management facilitated by Charles Sturt University in Australia.

In 2016 CCLEC launched its eLearning platform dedicated to the delivery of the two-tier training, providing introductory Customs courses as well as training in Trade Facilitation. Over the years, CCLEC has reiterated the need to effectively develop the skills and knowledge of staff. The organization maintains its C2C training commitment through the inclusion of a Training Needs Analysis Form located on its website.

The fight against the illegal drug trade remains a key focus of CCLEC and was the basis for its formation. CCLEC recognizes that illegal activity such as illegal drug smuggling; human trafficking; and money laundering adversely affects economic growth and sustainability. The Illegal drug trade in particular, severely threatens health and social life. Based on statistics collected from law enforcement agencies, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported that between 2013 and 2014, over 293,962 kilos of illegal drugs were seized in the Caribbean region. Of these, marijuana amounted to over 47,486 kilos. In 2016, Guadeloupe Customs Officers discovered some 50 kilos of cocaine in a fish container around the port area. These statistics reflect the urgency to strengthen border controls; to tighten security at ports and coastal areas in the Caribbean. CCLEC continually researches initiatives and is keen on on the adoption of emerging technologies to increase security.

CCLEC’s law enforcement arm employs assimilated information communication technology networks to combat impending threats. Crisis prevention and crisis management are the overarching aims of its intelligence models. These are realized through a number of key strategies, namely:

Effective information-seeking strategies
Monitoring and early detection
Information sharing
Swift data collection
Interpretation and analysis
Intelligence and law enforcement training

CCLEC views the development of intelligence structures as an integral block in its capacity building.

Collaboration is essential to the effectiveness of any organization. Over the years, CCLEC has maintained ties with regional and international bodies and has forged partnerships with some sixteen global agencies. CCLEC’s linkages extend to all actors in global trade and travel: government, business, academia and the citizenry. Collaboration is both extensive and rewarding. Opportunities exist to establish best practices and crisis prevention is achieved by drawing from existing case studies and research. CCLEC has drawn from additional benefits of collaboration among them training, information-sharing, short and long-term planning, bilateral agreements, and policy formation and implementation.